Basic instructions for cooking tortillas

The traditional way of making tortillas is to add the
egg-plus-filling mixture to a hot, oiled skillet. When the eggs begin
to solidify on the bottom, the tortilla is flipped upside down onto a
plate, the skillet wiped out and re-oiled; the tortilla is then slid
back into the skillet. The process is repeated until the tortilla is
cooked through. Sometimes another same-size skillet is used instead of
a plate. Tortillas made this way have nicely rounded edges, but the
method is tricky, and has great potential of creating a mess. Over the
years, I’ve come up with a couple of alternative less risky ways to
cook tortillas. All three are listed below.

6 eggs

2 or more T. extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, beat the eggs just until combined. Add the
filling(s) and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand for
15-30 minutes.

Heat a nine- to ten-inch nonstick skillet over
high heat and add 2 T. olive oil. When hot (but not smoking) add egg
mixture. Immediately turn the heat down to low and shake the pan
gently. There are three ways to complete the tortilla:

TRADITIONAL METHOD:
Stir mixture a few minutes without touching the bottom. Once it’s begun
solidifying, flip the pan upside down onto a plate, then wipe out the
skillet if necessary, add another tablespoon of olive oil and slide the
tortilla off the plate, back into the skillet. Repeat until the
tortilla is cooked through.

BROILER METHOD: After the
tortilla has formed a solid mass on the underside, transfer it to a
broiler that has been turned to high heat. Check every couple of
minutes. When the tortilla has formed a solid “crust” on top, stir that
cooked surface into the liquid egg mixture underneath and return to the
broiler. Continue until the tortilla is cooked through. This is the
easiest method.

COMBINED METHOD: Follow step 2 until the
tortilla’s center is creamy and almost completely solidified. Then
proceed as in the traditional method until the tortilla is completely
cooked through. This gives the tortilla the traditional rounded-edge
shape with less potential for mess than the first method.

Turn
the tortilla onto a large platter. Cut into wedges or squares. Garnish
with appropriate grated cheese or herbs if desired. Serve warm or at
room temperature. Serves 4 as a main course, 6 or more as part of a
tapas spread.